Fall entertainment lineup announced for SeptOberfest

As summer fades, Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville comes alive with SeptOberfest, a mix of music, food and good company.

Every Wednesday and Thursday evening in September and October, enjoy performances by local musicians and take part in free themed programs and activities.

“SeptOberfest brings people together,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “It’s a chance to relax outdoors, enjoy local music and celebrate the beauty of the season.”

Gather around lakeside fire pits — firewood is free while it lasts — and toast marshmallows with s’mores kits available for purchase. Relish Cafe offers light dinners and snacks for delivery to your table at the Beer Garden.

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove rounds out the experience. Open 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1-9 p.m. on weekends, it highlights local craft breweries with rotating taps, plus wine, cider, cold brew, nonalcoholic drinks and packaged snacks.

Exclusive brews are still available at the Beer Garden. The Lake County Forest Preserves has partnered with Harbor Brewing Co. to create two limited-edition beers inspired by the Heroes & Villains exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Heroes is a blueberry golden ale with a hint of natural sweetness and a bold blue hue from blue spirulina. Villains is a cherry hibiscus golden ale with bright cherry flavor and a vibrant red color.

Upcoming musical entertainment, which will take place from 6-7:30 p.m.:

• International de Oro performs mariachi on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

• Despina blends bluegrass on Thursday, Sept. 25.

• Solo guitarist Liz Berg plays pop rock music on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

• Steel drums performer Todd Donnelly entertains on Thursday, Oct. 2.

• The Up Down, an acoustic trio, performs on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

• Mojo Daddies play rock, pop and blues on Thursday, Oct. 9.

• Rock 'n' roll duo Billy Nixon & Steve Menke specialize in '50s and '60s on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

• Ryan Lindsey will present classic rock, country and pop on Thursday, Oct. 16.

• Women-led bluegrass group Fox Crossing Stringband plays on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

• From folk to rock classics, Jimmy Carroll delivers acoustic covers on Thursday, Oct. 23.

• Donna Brooks & Ironwood present contemporary and folk-rock-Americana on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

• Megan Lick entertains with acoustic renditions of well-known favorites alongside overlooked deep cuts on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Upcoming programs include:

• Sunset Yoga on the beach runs from 6-7 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 18, for beginners. Registration required.

• Trivia Night takes place 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24. No Registration. Arrive on time for a spot.

• Enjoy Hike & Hops on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 5-6:30 p.m. and learn facts about nature. Registration required.

The entrance to Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville. Vehicle parking is free for Lake County residents. For weather and entertainment updates, view status map at lcfpd.org/check-status-of-independence-grove-activities.

Group rates and reservations are available at the Beer Garden. Email IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org for details.

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, at (847) 968-3110.